DAYS OF CARING SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

The Area Wide United Way needs volunteers to meet its goal to "make someone happy" this year.

On Sept. 10 and 11, the organization will hold the fifth annual Days of Caring event to encourage volunteerism. Volunteers participate in a variety of activities to benefit one of the 16 area United Way agencies in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City.

It is one of the first in a season of United Way fund-raising events that will take place Sept. 1 through December.

The theme of this year's capital campaign is "Make Someone Happy."

"In the past, Days of Caring has focused on the business community, but this year we're looking more at communitywide volunteerism," said United Way assistant director Kathy Patterson. "What better way to make someone happy than to actually volunteer and find out exactly how the money people donate is actually used in the community?"

Days of Caring was originally organized to let employees see where their company paycheck donations go. United Way agencies select volunteer projects such as painting, building repairs, food delivery or meal preparation, and volunteers are recruited.

Many bosses allow workers to volunteer on company time for the event, during which employees see what their donations do through volunteering for the agencies.

This year an added emphasis is being placed on including individuals in the event.

"We're opening it to community organizations and civic organizations and churches to basically identify people in need of minor help around the home," said Patterson. "It's just another way for people to get involved in the community and make it a better place to live."

People who want to participate but are unable to physically volunteer can still be a part of Days of Caring, Patterson said. In addition to planned projects, agencies also have compiled lists identifying items such as filing cabinets and desks that they need to assist in their day-to-day operations.

To volunteer for Days of Caring or for additional information, contact the United Way office at (573) 334-9634.

1999 Days of Caring Projects

- American Red Cross: Volunteers will be trained as Armed Forces Emergency Services caseworkers and will be asked to take one week of AFES after-hours calls over the next two months.

- APPLE Paperwork for Seniors: Volunteers will be asked to help senior citizens with minor yard work, assist with data entry or meet Wish List needs.

- Boy Scouts: Volunteers will be asked to help fold, label and stuff envelopes and to deliver flyers to area schools.

- Cape Girardeau Public Schools Children's Fund: Volunteers are asked to assist in a drive for school supplies.

- Cape Senior Center: Projects include delivering meals to homebound residents, assisting with light food preparation and serving at the center, and to call bingo numbers.

- CASA: Volunteers are asked to meet Wish List needs.

- Cape Civic Center: Volunteers will help paint rooms at the center.

- Easter Seals: Projects include painting classrooms, tearing down the old wooden porch and building a handicapped-accessible ramp.

- First Call for Help: Volunteers will make phone calls to update information about agencies in the database and volunteers.

- Girl Scouts, Otahki Council: Volunteers needed for camp cleanup -- raking, cleaning fire circles, cabins, painting picnic tables, staining cabins and other projects.

- Habitat for Humanity: Volunteers will help with finishing touches on a Habitat house.

- Jackson Ministerial Alliance: Volunteers are needed to sack groceries for the food pantry at Jackson Hall.

- Jackson R-2 Children's Fund: Volunteers are needed to organize clothing and school supplies and to hold a drive for school supplies.

- Jackson Senior Center: Projects include delivering meals to homebound people and clean trays in the kitchen.

- Lutheran Family and Children's Services: Volunteers can help paint hallways or meet Wish List needs.

- SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence: Volunteers are needed to construct a wheelchair ramp and to meet Wish List needs.

- Safe House for Women: Volunteers may meet Wish List needs or assist with drives for school supplies and food.

- Salvation Army: Volunteers are needed to help organize the Thrift Store.